BREAKING: NC Congressman Mark Meadows to Retire from Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – One the last things many were expecting to hear post-impeachment vote in the U.S. House was that one of the president’s top allies in that chamber, a burgeoning leader with popularity at home and respect on the Hill, plans to retire from Congress.

Mark Meadows, Chair of the House Freedom Caucus, close confidante of President Donald Trump, and a force in defense of conservative values and governance, is retiring.

HUGE: Rep. Mark Meadows — the ubiquitous Trump ally who helped defend him at every point of his presidency — will not seek re-election and may leave in the middle of this term to help Trump from another, undisclosed perch, @playbookplus reports. pic.twitter.com/t2kl48MMjw

— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) December 19, 2019

The announcement:

“For everything there is a season. After prayerful consideration and discussion with family, today I’m announcing that my time serving Western North Carolina in Congress will come to a close at the end of this term. 

This was a decision I struggled with greatly. These last 8 years, I have been so blessed to serve the people of NC-11 and help give a voice to millions of Americans who feel Washington, DC has forgotten them. Since serving alongside President Trump, I have been a witness to historic economic prosperity, unemployment levels I only dreamed of when I took office, tax and regulatory reforms that are putting the American worker first, our Israeli embassy moved to Jerusalem, and trade deals that were once thought impossible. I have seen our law enforcement and first responders receive the support they deserve and our military once again put on a path to maintain its superiority. Through it all, I am so thankful to have been able to serve and give back to the great country I call home.  

My work with President Trump and his administration is only beginning. This President has accomplished incredible results for the country in just 3 years, and I’m fully committed to staying in the fight with him and his team to build on those successes and deliver on his promises for the years to come. I’ve always said Congress is a temporary job, but the fight to return Washington, DC to its rightful owner, We The People, has only just begun. 

To the people of Western North Carolina: it’s been my honor to be your Congressman. Thank you for your trust, faith, and support. God bless you.”

Meadows’ political stock certainly had not fallen to a point that made him any less viable. To the contrary, his political capital has only grown through out the Trump presidency. Even before then, Meadows carved out a reputation as a conservative fighter willing to stand up to the Establishment when he made the infamous motion that led to the resignation of House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH). Elected in 2012, Meadows helped form the House Freedom Caucus and immediately made clear he was a leader capable of amplifying the voice and influence of conservatives and core American principles.

For a time he was entertained as a possible candidate for President Donald Trump’s chief of staff, after a round of musical chairs in that position. Ultimately, he remained in congress, but never ruled out serving in such roles in the future. North Carolina is losing a great and effective congressman with the retirement of Meadows. His fellow delegation members are sad to see him go, but excited to see what’s next for him.

Mark is a great friend and a fierce conservative fighter. It’s been an honor to serve beside him in the North Carolina delegation and in the @freedomcaucus.

I’m sure he’ll bring his trademark tenacity to whatever his future holds. I wish him the best of luck. @RepMarkMeadows https://t.co/H7nwyREbO9

— Ted Budd (@RepTedBudd) December 19, 2019

So, with 2020 on the horizon and the congressional leader eschewing reelection, might he be making his close alliance with President Trump official in some way? Our state, and the nation, can only hope that the former small-businessman from the North Carolina takes on a role in which he continues the good fight.

In the meantime, that means there’s an open seat in the 11th District. However, finding a conservative to replace Meadows won’t be quite the scramble you might expect. A Tea Party endorsed conservative leader, Lynda Bennett, has announced her candidacy. We’ll be bringing you more on her, as well as what may be net for Meadows, soon.